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Flexitank’s product range restructuring: effective 1 July 2015

Flexitank (Australia) Pty Ltd is pleased to announce significant changes to its product range that will take effect from 1st July 2015.

These changes are based on the continued growth of sectors in Flexitank’s business resulting from strong business and marketing planning, product diversification and technology developments, and an ever changing manufacturing landscape in Australia, thanks in part to the significant fluctuations of the Australian Dollar in the past 12 months.

Effective 30th June 2015, the following product ranges will be discontinued:

4x4 water bladders

Marine, camping and recreational water bladders

Inflatable boat fenders

Any orders received on these items before 15th June will be valid.

All orders received after this date will not be accepted

Warranties of all products purchased until the discontinuation date remain valid.

Flexitank diesel bladders are providing the industry with a new solution for touring range extension and have become a focus for Flexitank.

The continued growth of strong sectors of Flexitank’s business have resulted from strategic business and marketing planning, product diversification and technology developments, and an ever-changing manufacturing landscape in Australia, thanks, in part, to the significant fluctuations of the Australian Dollar in the past 12 months.

Streamlining the Flexitank range means greater potential in continuously growing sectors of its business. Between Flexidock, 4x4 diesel bladders, marine and recreational marine and waste water tanks, fuel tanks and bladders, lift bags and liners, Flexitank is in a luxurious position of having a very large order book.

The board and management see this as an exciting time – we can streamline our range, manage business costs and overheads, and continue to grow by being inventors and creators, rather than followers.

There is an old saying that imitation is the grandest form of flattery. We are very flattered that we have imitators looking to souvenir Flexitank designs to call them their "own".

These changes represent the calculated and planned growth of Flexitank since our last restructure in 2010. Flexitank has grown so much since these products were released - the truth of the situation is these products have run their natural course. Every product has a lifespan and these are no different.

After assessing all options to continue the manufacture of the discontinued products in Australia, We couldn’t find ways to keep growth on track, whilst keeping costs down.

There are also some concerns over the future viability of fabrics to pass potable tests against new EU standards, which are being introduced at the moment via our fabric suppliers. These regulations, we believe, will cause problems with ratio testing of drinking water in contact with plastics for all bladders, not just Flexitank bladders, under 300 litres.

With this in mind, plus our planned growth sectors for the next 5 – 10 years of our company, we feel the time is right to announce these changes and begin the next phase of Flexitank’s business life.

We know some will see discontinued products as a negative. Managing growth, and understanding the markets we operate in and expand into, is one of the biggest factors of our 34 year life span, and is ultimately the reason for our continued success.

Whilst it is always a tough decision to make regarding discontinuing product ranges that are a well known part of our company, we firmly believe this decision will help strengthen the Flexitank brand and family of clients, staff and owners and allow us to continue with our growth patterns, which have been a strength of our business for a very long time.